Sunday evening, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat fired the city’s ancient Ramadan cannon, ending Jerusalemite Arabs’ 16th day of fasting. The event was held with the family of Haj Yahya Sandoka, which operates the cannon during Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the month’s end (Sunday, June 25). The family has been in charge of firing the cannon since the Ottoman period, some 200 years ago.
During Rmadan, the Muslim residents of the city fast and pray from dawn to dusk.
Mayor Barkat said in a statement: “This year, we have made unprecedented efforts to ensure a festive Ramadan holiday for all the city’s residents and visitors. From infrastructure enhancements to cultural events, the city of Jerusalem has shown its commitment to the well-being of all the city’s celebrants. Jerusalem is proud – this year and every year – to serve as a beacon of openness and inclusiveness, with freedom of religion and freedom of expression for all religions. I am happy to take part in the events of the month of Ramadan and wish the Muslim residents of eastern Jerusalem a Ramadan Kareem.”
In preparation for Ramadan, the Jerusalem municipality carried out a comprehensive cleaning operation in all neighborhoods, and cleared large garbage dumps, including dirt and building waste. In addition, holiday lighting was deployed on the streets of eastern Jerusalem, 40 greeting signs and festive flags were displayed in three languages throughout the city, and substantial investments were made in road infrastructure and filling potholes on main streets. “Ornamental corners” were set up at the entrance to the celebrating neighborhoods, including greeting signs, landscaping and holiday decorations. New benches and shading were also set up around the Old City.
The Municipality removes garbage from the main roads and ensures that parks and public gardens are cleaned during Ramadan, to provide a dignified atmosphere for all celebrants.
To accommodate the influx of visitors into the city, parking lots have been prepared for visitors and worshipers, and light rail lines will increase their service in order to make it easier for those who seek to visit the Temple Mount and the Old City.
Cultural and social events are being held in cooperation with community administrations in 12 neighborhoods across the Municipality. Recreational facilities at schools in those neighborhoods were opened with night lighting for the benefit of the residents and communities. In addition, the municipal welfare department distributed food stamps to the needy at the welfare offices.